Must See Russia - The Hermitage

Set in the magnificent palace from which the tsars ruled Russia for one-and-a-half centuries, the State Hermitage triumphantly lives up to its reputation as one of the country's chief glories. It consists of five linked buildings along the riverside - the Winter Palace, the Little Hermitage, the Old and New Hermitage, and the Hermitage Theatre.

The enormous art collection (over three million items) almost amounts to a history of Western European art, and as much as you see in the museum, there's about 20 times more in its vaults, part of which you can now visit. The vastness of the buildings - of which the Winter Palace alone has 1057 rooms and 117 staircases - demands a little planning. Consider making a reconnaissance tour first, then returning another day to enjoy your favourite bits.

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• must-see, art gallery, architectural highlight, palace